District takes next steps towards decisions around municipal office replacement, future Brennan Park replacements and new Civic Block for Squamish

The District of Squamish is embarking on the next phase of facility investments in Squamish. The next phase of decision-making involves the replacement of the current Municipal Offices, potentially as part of a larger new Civic Block that could include an expanded Squamish Public Library and community centre, co-location with government and non-government entities such as School District 48, and collaboration with arts, culture and heritage uses under the GLAM (Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum) umbrella.

“We are working on the bigger-picture future of our municipal facilities and taking the time to do our due diligence, to engage in conversations with School District No. 48 and all stakeholders at the table,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “Most importantly, we want to maximize potential opportunities and ensure we are working through our list of priorities in a way that is responsible, strategic and in the best interest of our community.”

Council approved an amendment to the 2023-2027 Financial Plan Bylaw on April 18 to support a Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan (REFMP) Pre-Development project to undertake the necessary due diligence to determine the feasibility of a the Civic Block ($160k) and future additional Brennan Park Recreation Centre ($400k) upgrade projects.  Also included in this project was funding for further due diligence for an Innovation Area ($260k) to maximize economic development on District-owned lands in the Squamish Business Park. Decisions on the replacement of the Municipal Offices, timing of future replacements at Brennan Park and timing, scope and locations for the remainder of the Civic Block are expected to be finalized by July 2024.

The District is pleased to be working in collaboration with School District 48 on potential opportunities for shared space.

“School District No. 48 recognizes the value of collaboration and the benefits it can bring to both organizations,” says School District No. 48 Board Chair Rebecca Barley. “This is the result of many discussions and we look forward to keeping the community informed about the outcome of this joint endeavour.”

The District is also pursuing appropriate funding to advance Brennan Park Recreation Centre upgrades forward. A preliminary Brennan Park Recreation Centre Master Plan was presented to Council on June 13, the completion of which is an important step in securing grant funding for future phases of work.

Several new Capital Projects have been incorporated into the draft 2024-2028 Financial Plan for 2027 and 2028. This includes a number of Brennan Park Upgrades to support the renovation and retrofit work currently underway, such as a new pool and ice rink, arena flooring replacement, hot water upgrades, and lighting upgrades.

“As the District improves its long-term forecasting ability, the Five Year Financial Plan is an important tool that maps out our priorities,” continues Hurford. “It’s very exciting to see a new pool and ice rink in the draft Five Year Financial Plan. I look forward to discussing this with Council during budget deliberations, and hearing from the community during budget engagement.”

Background:

Endorsed by Council in 2018, the District’s Real Estate and Facilities Strategy (REFS) identified that many District facilities are reaching end of life and in need of upgrade, expansion or replacement in order to meet the current and long-term needs of the community. In 2019, Council endorsed the District’s Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan (REFMP) which guides decision making on the prioritization, timing and funding of facilities investments.

The REFMP prioritized the immediate replacement of three critical facilities: two fire halls and the Public Works. The next priority projects identified in the REFMP, now embedded in the District’s 2023-2027 Five-Year Financial Plan, are the Municipal Offices, Transit Maintenance Facility and the Brennan Park Recreation Centre (Phase 1) 

To learn more about the Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan and view each of the REFMP project details visit squamish.ca/facilities.

August 8, 2023